Changes toughen DWI laws in New York

2005

Vasean's Law allows prosecutors to charge vehicular assault and manslaughter in drunken driving cases without proving criminal negligence.

2006

Lawmakers create the crime of aggravated drunken driving when a blood alcohol reading of .18 or higher is found. The legal limit is 0.08.

2007

The state creates the crimes of aggravated vehicular homicide and assault. Charges mean mandatory jail time when intoxicated and reckless driving is accompanied by factors such as a .18 blood reading or past DWI convictions.

2009

Law requires those convicted of drunken driving to have ignition interlock devices on their vehicles for at least six months. If the device registers a blood alcohol level above .025, the vehicle won't start.

2010

Jack Shea's law eases restrictions on collecting blood in intoxication cases.

SOURCES: NEWS RELEASES, NEWS CLIPS AND NASSAU DISTRICT

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